The Design Process

Initial Consultation

The first meeting typically takes place at your home. This meeting usually takes 2-3 hours. I will walk through your home room by room to get a sense of the space, lighting, and existing furniture and fixtures. As I am moving from room to room, I will ask lots of questions, and I welcome your input on what you would like to see, what your preferences are, and what your budget is. I will write very detailed notes at this stage and leave your home with a good sense of what you are looking to achieve.

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Inspiration

Before our initial meeting above, it would be helpful for you to look through magazines, books, the Internet and select images that represent what you would like to see in your newly designed home. These images should include colors, sizes and shapes of furniture and fixtures, materials (stone, wood, fabric, etc.), and anything else that appeals to you. It is also a good idea to include images of things you do not like. This gives me a feel for your likes and dislikes and makes the design process go faster.

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Preparing the Vision Book

After our initial consultation, I will take home my notes and sample images that you have provided and create a vision book. This vision book will be a compilation of my ideas for furniture, fabrics, and colors. It will include an overall cohesive style for your home. This book takes approximately 1-2 weeks to prepare after our initial consultation.

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Second Consultation

I will present my vision book to you and we will discuss any changes that you would like to make at this time. We will also discuss materials that you would like to use (tile, stone, wood, fabrics, trims, wall paper, lighting, paint, carpets, cabinetry, furniture, etc.). And if needed, I can also provide a space plan/floor plan so you can see how your furniture and fixtures will look when the room/house is finished.

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Additional Meetings

Once we have agreed to the vision book, we will meet several times to go over specific details. I will try to bring as many samples to your house, however, some trips to local showrooms may be necessary to see a wider variety of materials and styles.

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Production

Once we have refined all the details, I will finalize the design and make arrangements for project elements including architectural materials, furnishings, fabrics, window treatments, flooring, lighting and so on. I will then prepare a schedule and secure contractors.

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Installation

Installation will most likely occur in several phases. Once the construction is finished, there may be several phases when it comes time to install your furnishings. If some pieces are custom ordered, it can take several weeks longer than stocked furnishings.

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Art and Accessories

After all of the construction and furnishings have been completed, it is time to put the finishing touches on your home. This can include anything from photos/paintings on the wall, to accent pillows and sculptures. These pieces are essential to creating a home that reflects your personal style.

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It All Started With A Vision...

Makena Surf, Maui condo renovation

Pictured Right: The first photograph was chosen by my client as his total vision for the project. It represents the overall look and color palette of what the client wanted.

The other photos show the space plan I created to match the clients vision and the varying samples of fabrics, tile, stone, drapery, and furniture used. Finished project photos can be seen below.

This was a two-year project in Maui. This was a client’s second home for 3-4 weeks out of the year and was rented out when not in use by the owners. In the first phase, I renovated the front of the home which included the kitchen, living room, dining room, hallway, and lanai. I started with replacing the floors and creating an inviting lanai. I then followed up with a complete kitchen remodel (including new cabinets and countertops), hall elevation, and faux painting. In the final phase, I renovated the 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.

In a long distance project like this, I spent most of my time gathering materials and samples on the mainland, but I flew over to Maui for several weeks at a time to work with contractors onsite. Much of the stone, fabrics, and custom décor (pillows and drapery) were shipped on a container from San Pedro, California, while furnishings, carpet, accessories, and art were purchased on the island and delivered directly to the home.